KEY POINTS:
Groom, groom, groom. And then groom some more. The hair is conditioned and beautifully cut. There's evidence of manicures, pedicures, facials, all-over tans and the non-stop removal of excess body hair. Why else would there be so many beauty parlours and hairdressers in France? Looking this good requires time, effort and a rigorous skincare regime. Grooming is a national pastime. It's also essential for the natural look most Frenchwomen favour.
* You may also want to grow your hair very long, wear it in a bob, or cut it in a short gamine crop.
* Avoid excessive makeup. No wild eye shadows, fuchsia lipsticks or crazy nail varnish colours.
* When dressing, use less-is-more as your guide. Avoid any hint of more-is-more or new is best.
* You may disregard wild or obvious fashion trends. In fact, you'll probably want to avoid obviously experimental fashion as well.
* Avoid shopping at chain stores. Buy good quality garments that fit you perfectly - that is, not too tight, not too loose, but figure-skimming.
* Avoid streetwear and urban apparel. Although it's feminine and girlishly gamine, the French look is also elegant and never too casual. Jeans and simple sneakers are fine, but hoodies and baggy sweats don't cut it with French women.
* Play with one or two accessories. A silk scarf around the neck, a simple necklace or brooch, and so on. If you're an utter Francophile, get yourself a beret.
* Don't be afraid to mix in some masculine garments. Wear them with something sexier - a man-style shirt with a fitted or short pencil skirt and a good dollop of arrogance. Or maybe sweetness, as in the movie, Amelie.
* For further guidance check out cool French labels like APC - soon to be stocked at Made in Auckland. Locally, the more classic garments from labels like Kate Sylvester, Karen Walker and Jaimie have a definite French feel, as do some of the plainer Huffer womenswear. Beth Ellery also makes very French-style clothes.
* Change your name to Claudette and start smoking Gauloises.
